Ralph A. Kuhlmann

Ralph A. Kuhlmann, was born October 14, 1921 and died June 4, 2002. Beloved husband of Ann (Spalding), wife of 60 years. Dear father of Michael, father-in-law of Debora, devoted grandfather of Taylor Kuhlmann and step grandson, Jonothan Shephard of Sacramento, CA. Dear brother of Harold (Edna, deceased), Gene (Norma) of St. Charles, Roger (Jane) of St. Louis. Dear brother-in-law of Robert (deceased) and Mildred Spalding, Orville (deceased) and Betty Echele, Wilbert (deceased) and Sally Holtgrieve, Otto and Nina Hanslick, all of St. Charles. Dear son of the late Joseph and Philippine (Boenker) Kuhlmann and son-in-law of the late Irene Jones. Dear uncle, cousin and friend of many. Survived by a beloved Aunt Agnes (Carl, deceased) Boenker, of Iowa City, IA, and Elsie (Frank, deceased) Boenker of St. Louis. Lt Col Kuhlmann was a Regular Air Force Officer, served over 30 years, 1943-1973, saw combat duty in WWII, 15 Air Force, Italy, as a B-24 Aircraft Commander, flying 50 missions; Korean War, 20 Air Force, Okinawa, as Pilot and Staff Officer, B-29, 10 combat missions and Vietnam 7 Air Force, Korat, Thailand, as Aircraft Commander, EC-121 and Assistant Deputy Commander, Operations, 43 Combat missions. He also was assigned duty with the 110th Fighter Squadron, 131 Fighter Group, Missouri Air National Guard, Lambert Field in the late 1940's flying the F-51 Mustang. His military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Award, Air Force Commendation Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Presidential Unit Citation and many other theater and campaign awards. On his retirement, Lt Colonel Kuhlmann was the Chief of Safety, United States Air Res-cue and Recovery Service, Scott AFB, Il. Lt Col Kuhlmann is also survived by three of his WWII B-24 Combat Crew: Lt Col Robert Ludlam, Co-pilot, Oklahoma, Sgt James Spears, Gunner, New Mexico and Sgt Neal Manthei, Gunner, Florida. Lt Col Kuhlmann took great pride in serving his Country with the United States Air Force. After military retirement, Ralph became the Managing Director of the Greater St. Louis Safety Council and later the Executive Vice President of the San Francisco/San Mateo Counties Safety Council. He also served on the Board of Directors of the National Safety Council, Chicago, IL. He retired in 1984. In recent years he was a licensed Real Estate Agent with Brokers in California and Missouri, most recent with Meyer Real Estate, St. Charles. Ralph was a life long member of the Lutheran Church, baptized, confirmed and married in the Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles. Ralph was a member of the American Legion Post 312, St. Charles and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4219, Orchard Farm. Memorial donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Charles or the American Cancer Society. The family is being served by Baue Funeral Home, St. Charles, visitation 3:00-8:00 PM June 6, 2002. A memorial service will be conducted by the American Legion Post 312 at 7:00 PM, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 4219 at 7:30 PM. Funeral service June 7, 2002 11:00 AM Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sixth St, St. Charles. Interment St. Charles Memorial Gardens, with full military honors conducted by the Special Services Unit, Scott AFB, IL.